f you’re looking for a side dish that’s buttery, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread is it. This recipe takes soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls and transforms them into golden, garlic-infused bites with melty mozzarella in every nook. The secret? A rich garlic butter mixture that soaks right into the bread, giving you flavor in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, bakes in minutes, and is ideal for beginners. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or grilled meats, this is the kind of dish that disappears the moment it hits the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Once you try Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread, it’s bound to become your go-to.
- Flavor Explosion – Sweet rolls, savory garlic, and gooey cheese make the perfect match.
- Beginner-Friendly – Easy steps and no special equipment required.
- Customizable – Change up the cheese or herbs to match your meal.
- Quick Bake Time – Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
The Story Behind Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread
Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread blends the rich heritage of two beloved foods:
- Hawaiian rolls, inspired by Portuguese sweet bread, first became popular in the 1950s.
- Garlic bread’s Italian roots trace back to bruschetta, traditionally brushed with garlic and oil.
- Marrying the two creates a soft, sweet, and savory bread that feels indulgent yet familiar.
- Adding cheese takes it from simple side to star of the table.
Key Ingredients in Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread
- Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet rolls that soak up garlic butter beautifully.
- Butter – Melts into the bread, creating a rich, savory base.
- Fresh Garlic – Provides bold, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a bright, fresh note to balance the richness.
- Dried Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that deepens the flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer inside each roll.
How to Make Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the Hawaiian rolls in a baking pan.
- Cut the Rolls – Slice an “X” into the top of each roll, cutting only halfway deep.
- Mix the Garlic Butter – In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, finely chopped garlic, chopped parsley (reserve some for garnish), and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff with Flavor – Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture inside each roll.
- Add the Cheese – Follow with shredded mozzarella inside each roll for melty pockets of goodness.
- Top and Bake – Spoon any remaining garlic butter over the tops, then bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with reserved parsley and serve immediately for best results.
Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread Tips and Twists
Tips:
- Cut the rolls just deep enough to stuff but not all the way through.
- Use freshly chopped garlic for the best flavor.
- Reserve some parsley for garnish to keep it looking fresh.
- Don’t overbake—10–15 minutes is perfect for soft bread and melted cheese.
- Serve immediately for the ultimate cheese pull.
Variations:
- Cheddar Swap – Try sharp cheddar for a richer bite.
- Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Herb Upgrade – Use fresh basil or oregano instead of dried seasoning.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Wrap cooled bread in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the rolls with garlic butter and cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread with:
- A big bowl of tomato basil soup.
- Creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo or lasagna.
- Fresh salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- A refreshing iced tea or sparkling lemonade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different bread? Yes, but Hawaiian rolls give the perfect sweet balance.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes—use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese.
How do I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the butter mix.
Can I freeze it? Yes—freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
Do I have to use parsley? No, but it adds freshness and color.
Enjoy Your Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread
With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread delivers incredible flavor in every bite. The soft, sweet rolls, garlic butter, and melted mozzarella create a comforting, crave-worthy side dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or a quick snack, this recipe proves that simple really can be spectacular.
Explore More Recipes
Love this cheesy bread? Try it alongside our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a cozy dinner. For another herb-packed bread, check out our Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread that’s perfect for dipping in soups. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, serve it with our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna for the ultimate comfort meal.
Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread – Easy Party Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz package Hawaiian rolls
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves fresh garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place Hawaiian rolls in a baking pan.
- Cut an “X” halfway deep into the top of each roll.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley (reserve some for garnish), and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff about 1 tbsp garlic butter mixture into each roll.
- Add shredded mozzarella into each roll, pressing gently to fill the cuts.
- Spoon any remaining garlic butter over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and tops are lightly golden.
- Garnish with reserved parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 200mg
Sugar: 3g